Flight instructor reverses diabetes diagnosis

A flight instructor from Wilmslow is taking back control of his health after a shock diagnosis of type 2 diabetes following a routine medical, left him grounded.

Simon Butler, from Wilmslow, was sent for further checks during his annual flying licence medical, , after revealing he consumed over the recommended 14 units of alcohol each week. The 57-year-old then discovered he had dangerously high sugar levels after taking tests to measure Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) and Haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c)..

A CDT test is a biomarker for heavy alcohol consumption and is used by the DVLA in its fitness-to-drive checks, and the HbA1c test gives clear indicators on diabetes risk. Although the CDT test revealed a healthy alcohol consumption level , Simon was shocked to learn his blood glucose levels were extremely high, revealing a reading of 55 - well into the range for type 2 diabetes, which starts at 48.

Keen to positively impact his life-threatening diagnosis and make a speedy return to the cockpit, Simon turned to home health test provider Medichecks. Simon explained: “Through Medichecks’ HbA1c tests I have been able to track my sugar levels and ensure they remain at a healthy level. I have made better lifestyle choices like cutting down on the amount of alcohol I drink and what I eat – considerably reducing carbohydrates and sugar.”

Following the health scare, positive improvements to Simon’s lifestyle has meant that both his GP and his consultant no longer consider him to be diabetic. These changes have also demonstrated to the Aeromedicine Department at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), who originally halted his licence renewal, that he’s fit to fly again. 

Simon said: “They have now conceded that I have reversed my type 2 diabetes diagnosis, which is an amazing result. Their only condition is that I carry on supplying HbA1c test results every six months, which I’ll continue to do through Medichecks. I’m proud of myself for improving my eating habits and ultimately reversing the diagnosis. It is fantastic that I can continue flying without having to worry when my annual medical date is approaching.”

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease which is increasingly common with people all ages - up to one third of adults in the UK have prediabetes and are at risk of developing the disease.

Dr Sam Rodgers, Chief Medical Officer at Medichecks, explained: “Lack of exercise, making unhealthy diet choices and being overweight all increase the likelihood of developing diabetes, which is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and some cancers. It is important to identify diabetes early as you can bring blood glucose levels back down to a health range by making lifestyle changes.

“Once diabetes is diagnosed, it is vitally important to regularly monitor your blood glucose levels with a HbA1c test. If it worsens, side-effects of the disease can include damage to nerves, blood vessels, kidneys, and eyes.”

The Lancet published research in December 2020 based on the population of Scotland, charting COVID-19 for people with diabetes. It found that people with diabetes were 40% more likely than those without diabetes to have fatal or critical care unit-treated COVID-19. The study also showed that risks varied according to factors such as diabetes duration, previous hospital admissions, drug exposures, and comorbidities.

The diabetes tests available at Medichecks include the HbA1c finger-prick test and a Diabetes Check Plus Blood Test that looks at sugar levels over the last 10-12 weeks.

The Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) DVLA Blood Test is simple finger-prick test that is suitable for anyone concerned about the levels of alcohol in their blood.

Pictured - Simon Butler, from Wilmslow.